The Kitzbühel Alpine Trail
- Hike the best of the Kitzbühel Alpine Trail (the KAT-Walk) through Austrian Tyrol
- Summit Kitzbühler Horn at 1,996m for panoramic mountain views
- Stay in 4* hotels with small ‘wellness’ areas; ideal for after-walk relaxation
- Explore the baroque town of St. Johann and the chic streets of Kitzbühel
- Dine on hearty regional specialities like Tiroler Gröstl and Kaiserschmarrn
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in HopfgartenHopfgarten im Brixental is easily accessible by plane and train. The best place to fly into is Innsbruck, from where you can catch the train, with one change, to Hopfgarten (approx. 1 hours)
Hopfgarten is a small market town located at 662m above sea-level. Well known to skiers, it’s also a vibrant summer destination without being over-crowded. If you have time, the renowned church with its ornate ceiling is worth seeing. Otherwise, wonder the historical streets of the town and prepare for the start of your hike tomorrow.
The Hohe Salve is a newly built hotel which benefits from a convenient location right next to the Hopfgarten cable car. There is also a large ‘Move and Relax’ area which includes two swimming pools, 2 saunas and a steam bath.
Start your adventure by taking the Hopfgartner cable car (payable locally, approx. 10 euros) to the summit of Hohe Salve (1,828m), a fantastic viewpoint and location of Austria’s highest pilgrimage church. Enjoy the 360 panoramic views over the Tyrolean mountains. Follow picturesque paths as you descend to Salven and the serene Vilsalpsee, and finally, to the town of Brixen am Thale. Located on the sunny side of the Brixental Valley, this small peaceful town is surrounded by rolling green hills and dreamy, gentle landscapes.
Ascent/Descent: 728m / 1095m
Centrally located in Brixen, the Hotel Reitlwirt has a lovely familiar atmosphere about it. Rooms are spacious, bright and comfortable. The traditional food at the on-site restaurant is fantastic! Wellness facilities include a sauna, massage shower and a steam bath.
The modern, family-run 4-star hotel in Alpine style is located in the Brixental near Kitzbühel, just 150 meters from the Hochbrixen gondola lift.
The Kitzbühel Alpine Trail continues on a pleasant path to Brixenbachalm. Follow the trail through shaded forest and open pastures to reach the beautifully located Wiegalm at 1,507m; a large traditional alpine hut where you can stop for refreshment (opening is weather-dependent). Why not indulge in some Kaiserschmarrn? (Fluffy, warm pancake pieces, served with icing sugar and home-made jam).
After a break, ascend to Gaisberglift where you can shorten the descent to Kirchberg by jumping on the gondola. If you would like to walk the entire way, follow the leisurely gravel path down to the valley.
Ascent 963m / Descent 954m
A warm welcome awaits from the team at Hotel Alexander. The hotel is decorated in typical alpine style and the on-site restaurant offers international and Austrian cuisine. The wellness area includes saunas, a steam bath and a relaxation room.
Located central, in a quiet location, the Hotel Metzgerwirt offers a relaxing stay after a good day of hiking.
Today the trail covers terrain used for the famous Kitzbüheler Hahnenkamm, or ‘the Streif’, considered the world’s most challenging downhill ski race. Start by ascending on country roads and tracks to reach the highest point of today’s hike, the Ehrenbadchhöhe at 1,800m.
Begin to descend through the famous ski area and along the ‘Streif’ race track, where information boards explain the key points and features of the race. Arrive to the hustle and bustle of stylish Kitzbühel.
Ascent/Descent: 950m / 1020m
During high season due to availability you may be accomodated two nights in Kirchberg (instead of 1 night in Kirchberg and 1 night in Kitzbühel). With Public transport you will reach the start of the hike and get back to the hotel. At your accommodation in Kirchberg, you will receive a guest card that allows you to use public transport free of charge. All information will be provided in your documentation.
The Eggerwirt, Kitzbühel's first 3-star superior hotel, awaits you in the heart of Kitzbühel. Here you can experience warm Tyrolean hospitality and tradition in a modern ambience. This family-run hotel, which has been in the family for generations, is a true institution in the Gams town.
In Tiefenbrunner, alpine-modern, casual comfort meets traditional and luxurious style, with a touch of spectacular urban chic. This unique hotel combines more than two centuries of family tradition with the lively Kitzbühel lifestyle and first-class cuisine.
The Aktiv Hotel Schweizerhof is located next to the Hahnenkamm cable car. The Schweizerhof has a restaurant with a sun terrace where Tyrolean and international cuisine is served. Relax in the modern wellness area, which includes an indoor pool with a whirlpool, a fitness room, a relaxation area and several saunas.
Today's stage is the longest stage of the KAT Walk, but it can be shortened using several cable cars.
Climb through sparse mountain forest to reach the Alderhütte, another traditional hut where refreshments can be picked up. Continue to the summit of Kitzbüheler Horn, at a lofty 1,996m it is the highest point of your tour. Enjoy the views before starting one of the finest sections of the trail to the quaint Harschbichalm. From here you have the choice to take the mountain railway to St. Johann, or you can continue on foot which is a long 21km (7,5h ascent/descent: 1323/1390m) in total.
Ascent/Descent: 1323m / 460m. Cable down from Harschbichalm.
The 4-star Alpine hotel is ideally located, just a few steps from the town centre. A perfect retreat to find complete relaxation after a day of hiking. Immerse yourself in the wellness area, which offers various saunas for your well-being.
The 3-star superior Hotel Zur Schönen Blick is located above St. Johann in Tirol, just a few minutes walk from the town centre. Here you will find a restaurant, a wellness area and impressive panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
The path ascends to a secluded limestone plateau with fascinating karst formations and idyllic alpine meadows. Behind it, the route stretches through mountain pine groves and a diverse mixed forest. Breathtaking views open up again and again in all directions, and perfectly set the scene for this mountain adventure.
The route continues over a picturesque path, through gentle meadows along a well marked path to your destination at St Ulrich am Pillersee.
Ascent/Descent: 1000m/800m
The hotel is located in the centre of Ortisei with a wonderful view of the Loferer Steinberge. You will find your own sports shop, a cozy farmhouse parlor, sauna, steam bath, infrared cabin and coffee house.
This family-run country hotel offers you a picturesque view of the majestic Loferer Steinberge and the Kitzbühel Alps. You can enjoy traditional and modern Tyrolean dishes as well as Austrian classics in the cosy Tiroler Stuben, the Bauernstube and on the idyllic wooden terrace, from which you can admire the Jacob's Cross.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and start your onward journey. You can, of course, add extra nights if you would like more time to explore the area.
This trip has a carbon score of 9kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 9kg is equivalent to 5.5 avocados. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?If you enjoy alpine hiking on well-maintained and waymarked paths, with the added comfort of bag transfer and comfortable 4* hotels with wellness areas, then this tour is ideal. Delicious local delicacies really sweeten the deal, with hearty food a deserved reward after a day on the trails. With its ‘moderate’ difficulty rating, it’s a perfect tour for first-time Alpine walkers. Follow a mix of narrow mountain paths and wide walking trails with a daily average of 800m of ascent and descent.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
We have graded this trip moderate. The trails range from narrow mountain trails to wide hiking paths. You will be walking on alpine terrain so you should be sure-footed with a head for heights since some sections can be steep and narrow. You should be in good shape to get the most from this tour.
You should be in good shape to get the most from this tour as there steep ascents and descents. You should also have a head for heights and a sure foot as you will be walking on Alpine terrain including narrow rocky paths.
Stay 6 nights in comfortable 4* hotels. All the hotels we use have been chosen for their Tyrolean hospitality, cosy atmosphere and high standards. They also have a small ‘Wellness’ area which usually includes a sauna, steam bath and sometimes a pool. Please be aware that twin & double rooms in Austria (Doppelzimmer in German) are typically 2 single mattresses side by side in one double bed frame with two separate duvet covers and pillows.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
This trip is available to solo walkers and a solo walker supplement is payable. If you are undertaking this trip solo, you should be an experienced walker. Single rooms are also available on request, and again a supplement is payable.
Meals
6 continental breakfasts are included. This is usually in buffet form and there are many filling breakfast items available which are perfect for hikers; e.g. boiled eggs, ham, cheese, fresh bread and muesli. Lunch is not included and can be picked up at local supermarkets or ‘Backerei’ along the way. Most accommodations will also be able to provide you with a packed lunch for the day, ask upon arrival (payable locally). There are also various lunch options along the way in typical alpine chalets and huts. Tyrolean specialities include ‘Tiroler Gröstl’, a bacon, onion and potato fry-up topped with a fried egg, or ‘Kiachl’ a fried yeast dough pastry that can be served sweet or savoury. Kaiserschmarrn (translates as Emperor’s mess, named after Franz Joesph the first) is another ubiquitous Tyrolean dish, and is chopped, fluffy, warm pancakes served with icing sugar and homemade jam or compote– absolutely delicious! If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know at the time of booking.
The trails are well way-marked, and together with detailed route notes, maps and the Macs Adventure Smartphone App enabling you to follow the route using your phone's GPS, you will have no problems finding the way.
- 6 nights in 4* hotels
- 6 Breakfasts
- Baggage transfers
- Route notes, maps, GPX tracks, access to our GPS app & info pack
- 24-7 Emergency telephone support from our German and UK offices
- Travel insurance (required)
- Travel to Hopfgarten and from St. Ulrich am Pillsersee
- Lunches & Dinners
- Public transport/cable cars
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
- Additional nights during the holiday
This walk is available to start on any day of the week from June to September.
The Alps generally have warm and sunny summers and cold and snowy winters. However, the weather in the Alps can change very quickly, particularly at altitude. You should be prepared for all weather eventualities as even snow can fall in the summer in the mountains, regardless of the time of year. Very hot days are often followed by rain and thunderstorms, and landslides are not uncommon. Check the weather report each day locally before setting off for your hike.
Fly into Innsbruck, Salzburg Munich or Vienna Airport and then take a train to Hopfgarten im Brixtal with one change in Wörgl (1, 2, 1.5 or 4 hours).
From St. Ulrich am Pillersee you can travel by train to any other Austrian destination or back to Innsbruck, Salzburg or Vienna Airports, again with a change in Wörgl (1.5, 2 or 4.5 hours). Information on the trains in Austria can be found in English at the Austrian National Rail Service website: https://www.oebb.at/en.
Bag transfer of one bag per person (up to 20kg) is included as standard. Your bags will be moved from Hopfgarten to St. Johann, giving you the freedom to walk each day with just a day pack.
The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example proper rain gear, sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take. This includes good waterproof gear, walking shoes/boots, and lots of other useful bits and bobs.
In your information pack you will find a detailed packing list which includes walking boots, walking poles and waterproof clothes amongst other things.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised so that we can secure the best accommodation options for you.
We have graded this trip moderate. The trails range from narrow mountain trails to wide hiking paths. You will be walking on alpine terrain so you should be sure-footed with a head for heights since some sections can be steep and narrow. You should be in good shape to get the most from this tour.
Bag transfer of one bag per person (up to 20kg) is included as standard. Your bags will be moved from Hopfgarten to Brixen im Thale, from Brixen to Kirchberg and from Kircheberg to St. Johann, giving you the freedom to walk each day with just a day pack.
Your detailed information pack will be sent to you after you book. This has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.
You can use public transport or a local taxi to continue to your next overnight stop. Your accommodations will be able to help with arrangements, or we are able to assist you from our German and UK office.
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